Could the much anticipated ‘CBD’ reunite today? Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter gives HUGE update!

Kaizer Chiefs return to DStv Premiership action as they take on Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday evening. 

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Chiefs were in excellent spirits the last time they played in the DStv Premiership, beating arch-rivals Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the Soweto Derby. 

Maritzburg United a bogey team for Chiefs

Chiefs will enter the Harry Gwala Stadium knowing full well that their opponents for the day have proven to be somewhat of a bogey team for them over the last couple of years. The Amakhosi have managed to only beat Maritzburg United once in their last five encounters, that particular victory dating back to the 2018/19 season. 

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Furthermore, if you are looking for the last time Chiefs were able to beat Maritzburg United away from home, you would have to go as far back as the 2017/18 season, with the Glamour Boys securing a 2-0 win thanks to a Gustavo Paez brace, under the tutelage of Steve Komphela. Coach Stuart Baxter has addressed the aspect of the home side being a hoodoo team to his. 

Baxter addresses that aspect

“Hopefully, the players look at it as this is a new year, a new team, new circumstances and therefore history shouldn’t be a burden. Even when I was around at Chiefs the first time, we won a few, but Maritzburg was always a difficult game. The same when I was at SuperSport.”  Baxter said to the club website 

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Baxter was also adamant that he was expecting another tough encounter and that, Chiefs will be looking to try some new things from the training ground. 

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“It’s not one where you just go there and it’s just a walk in the park. That never happens and I’m not expecting that. We’ve told the players if we want to take our season forward, then we’ve got to get better and not standstill. So we’ve worked on a few things we hope we can focus on and put energy into and hopefully that focus will remove the focus away from previous results.”

Delivers good news on the return of ‘CBD’

Speaking on the injury front, Baxter did mention that there are one or two Chiefs players edging ever so closer, as well as divulging the good news on striker Leonardo Castro 

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“We’ve got a few players back in full training. We’ve got Lebo (Manyama), Leo (Castro) and Siya (Ngezana) that have been out for quite a long time, now back in full training. Leo is travelling with us. We think he can play a part from the bench, possibly as an impact player. Lebo and Siya have got a little bit left, but we are pleased that they are back in with us. We’ve lost a few players, S’fiso Hlanti to injury with Njabulo Blom and Sbusiso Mabiliso both being unavailable.” Baxter confirmed. 

Will they reunite against the Team of Choice?

Should Castro successfully return to the pitch for Chiefs this evening, it could finally end the much anticipate wait for the reunion of the infamous ‘CBD’ combination comprising of Castro, (Khama) Billiat and (Keagan) Dolly. The trio combined lethally for Mamelodi Sundowns during their time there, but have yet to get that opportunity due to Castro’s long-term injury. 

Having seen how Dolly and Billiat have rekindled their partnership at Chiefs, Castro will undoubtedly be licking his lips at the prospect of reuniting with the duo.